Official Art Blog of Artist Elaine Weiner-Reed (EWR). Thoughts about art and the creative process, ideas to consider, and musings on life and how it connects to this artist's thought and work processes. See also her official Collaboration Initiative: http://ewr-everypaintingisasong.blogspot.com/

It is easy to be swayed and carried away
by the latest art fads, materials, and headlines. Every art magazine contains
stories of them in excruciating detail. You hear about artists who have made it
rich with their art…and you devour their stories. You’re in a workshop and see
someone trying something…and you find yourself mesmerized…and you just have to
try it, buy the materials (i.e. a new technique, a new paper, new paints, …)
etc. We are surrounded by outside temptations and what I call “the next shiny
thing.”

Elaine Weiner-Reed (EWR) - "Dialogue with a Muse" (20" x 16")

“A
gift with strings attached, a double-edged sword is that whisper from the Muse.

Once the gifts of inspiration and creativity are received,

action is required.

No excuses. No way out

…or the Muse dances on to the door of another.”

Believe me, I love learning & exploration is good. Trying new things is good. But try your
very best to distinguish between what is experimentation and what
is really you. Try things and experiment to your heart’s content, but take
care to not stray from your own unique path and vision. Stay connected to YOU.
You can and should explore and question and see what art is going on outside of
your own head and studio, BUT…

Remember to stay true to yourself and your
artistic vision. Following your muse and walking along your own personal Art journey is the
way to be distinctive, to create something that did not previously exist. YOUR next BIG breakthrough results from all that you
have done to date and all that you have thought and learned as you created your
art (your way).

Stay connected to and aware of your
society and culture, but remain free of it when it comes to your vision and
your own creative and expressive voice. You already are a reflection of that culture.

Those Artists whom we admire and refer to
as Masters today were following their own Muse in their own way and their own
timeframe. Here are some short videos on two inspirational artists who followed their own muse:

So, in today’s world of diminishing brick
and mortar art galleries, in a world where there are very few Art patrons who sustain
and support artists, and in a culture where we often see beginners splash paint
and call it ART, take heart. Avoid the fads and frauds, and above and despite
everything, BE YOURSELF. Paint what moves or intrigues you in your own
style and voice and palette.

It is only by following our own vision,
muse, and path that we can distinguish ourselves and be the best Artist we can
be. No one else can be me and no one else can be you. They simply do not have
our history or personality or gifts or vision.

I invite you to check out my art video "A Purposeful Journey."

It is a slice of my art life and
evolution: my journey and me being true to my own vision.

Please share it with others and let me know how it inspires you!

In all things, I try to remain connected to me, and to
learn from what I see and do.

I internalize and contemplate…and care.

In all
things along my path, I want to do something, mean something, and make a
positive difference in my world.

Let’s each be
happy in our individual journey of discovery.

Create thoughtful
art.

The next Renaissance is NOW.

In all things, be
yourself. In that path lies distinction and achievement and Art.